Whether you’ve been doing it for years or this is your first chance, fly fishing is an excellent sport. Many people enjoy the act of casting and catching quick-witted fish. However, you can’t do your best work without the right equipment.
Therefore, we have chosen to review Redington fly rods, specifically, the Predator series. You will learn everything there is to know about this product so that you can make an informed decision whether or not to buy it.
Redington Fly Rods
Redington is a name that is synonymous with fly rods and fishing techniques. These rods are well-suited to a variety of waters, including creeks and deeper areas. The company was founded in 1992 and has committed itself to providing quality fishing gear to enhance your day.
You’ll find a variety of products available, all of which are there to ensure that you have a fun day of fly fishing. This company has focused on innovation while keeping things simple. That way, you know that the rod will work as it should.
Who Is This Product For?
Primarily, the Redington Predator Fly Rod can be used by anyone who wants to fly fish. If you don’t already have one, or if yours is worn or damaged, now is the perfect time to buy another. With four pieces, it is easy to break the rod down and store or travel with it.
What’s Included?
When you order online and get your package, it will come in a long, thin box. Inside is one fly rod. Nothing else is included with this purchase.
Therefore, you may need to buy the right reel, backing, fly line, and tippets. The items you will use depend on your preferences and the amount of space you have available.
Overview of the Features
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When it comes to owning a fly rod, the Redington Predator might be ideal. It offers intuitive, fast action, and the in-hand balance is dialed in correctly to provide you with responsive casting and a lightweight feel.
Its reel seat is made of anodized machined aluminum. This is ideal for any water conditions. Plus, it utilizes laser-etched references so that you can easily tell whether the rod is yours or what size it is.
You’ll also find that the section tips are coated with epoxy. This helps to keep them from sticking. Of course, this product is also more durable because of the stripping guides made of aluminum oxide. There are also snake guides made of hard-wire anodized metal and ceramic inserts.
You will find a variety of sizes and lengths available. They are all four-pieces and will fit together nicely. That way, you can travel and store it easily. It starts with a 6WT and goes up to 16WT. You’ll also find that each weight class is a different length, ranging from almost eight inches up to 10 inches.
How to Get the Most out of a Fly Rod
When you purchase any Redington rod, you want to keep it at peak performance. In order to do that, there are a few maintenance and usage tips that come directly from the manufacturer. These include:
- Before taking the rod out for the new season, get a Q-tip, cotton swab, or piece of nylon hose. Run that through the guides to see if it snags. If it does, there could be a nick, which leads to fly line damage.
- Though you should clean your rod after each use, you shouldn’t store it wet. This might damage the components and finish. It’s always a good idea to inspect the guides for wear and tear after and before each use, too.
- The cork grip can get a little grimy with time. Clean it using warm water and a touch of your favorite soap. You can use some fine steel wool, paper towels, or sponges to remove scales or grime.
- After using the rod in saltwater, make sure to rinse the reel seat and cork. You may also rub it with a soaped-up sponge. Then, rinse in cold water and dry using a soft towel.
- Rub paraffin onto the ferrules to keep them tight and maintain their lifespan. You’ll get a more secure fit so that the sections are easy to separate.
- If there is a stuck ferrule, grip each section near to the joint, hold the blank, and pull apart. You may need to twist the sections, but don’t use the guide for leverage because it can loosen or damage it.
- Remember that the rod, when put together, is going to be large. Be careful around ceiling fans, car doors, and other areas. If possible, you may want to put the rod together only when you get to the water source.
- You will need to have a reel, which is not included. Appropriate fly line and backing are also necessary. Do not attempt to take the fish out of the water using just the rod.
Where to Find Other Necessities
Since you can’t go fly fishing without the reel and other items, it is essential to know what to buy and where to get it. For example, you will need to buy a reel. Though you can use any brand, it might be best to go with a Redington reel.
Also, it’s important to think about the fly line and backing. Most people can get away with using 50 feet of backing. The fly line can be trickier. In most cases, fly lines come with a variety of letters and numbers. For example, WF7S means you have a weight-forward taper, it sinks, and it has a weight of 7.
Generally, you would choose a weight that corresponds to your rod. For example, if you have a five-weight rod, you would use a five-weight line. However, you can go up one or two sizes in weight if necessary.
Alternative
Though we’re sure that you will like the Redington Predator, we know that it pays to research other options. Therefore, you might also want to check out the Moonshine Rod Co. Outcast Fly Fishing Rod.
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It features high-performance graphite and also comes apart in four pieces. It comes with a rod tube for easy transport and storage. If that weren’t enough, you get all anodized hardware, which is similar to the Redington Predator.
Those who want a cost-effective option will like this product. It is a little less expensive than the Redington, but the prices are comparable.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a new fly rod, you know you have seemingly endless options available. Therefore, we wanted to help you focus on one product in particular. Redington fly rods are an excellent choice. This particular model used anodizing, which means the metal surface is rust-resistant and durable, making it suitable for saltwater conditions.